Saivo

Only four season tents retain heat.

Yes but crucially, as I pointed out, **only four season tents**. I’m not sure why you’re persisting in labouring this point when neither of your tents is a four season tent. Furthermore, as many have pointed out, the shape of the tent has nothing to do with any insulation properties, and even then, the insulation is so trivially small that it simply shouldn’t be a consideration in your choice of tent. How about actually listening to what people are saying instead of constantly arguing? 🤷‍♀️

The shape of the tent has no bearing on its warmth; primarily you should be relying on your sleep system for warmth. True four season tents (eg Hilleberg Red and Black Label), regardless of shape, do add a few degrees to the interior, but this is due to the lack of catenary curves in the fly (ie the fly extends all the way to the ground) resulting in less ventilation, and a solid inner as opposed to mesh. I’ve actually measured the difference and found that my four season tents can be up to 5°C warmer inside than outside. **A three season tent will not provide any warmth.** Sure, they may be warm (even uncomfortably so) when pitched on a sunny day, but that warmth will not be retained and will rapidly dissipate after sundown. Ultimately whether you choose a tunnel or a dome is more a matter of practicalities. Tunnels are usually quicker to pitch (ideal for wet weather) and offer the best space to weight ratio. The downside is that they need to be pitched parallel to the wind for minimum flappiness, which can be a problem if the wind changes direction overnight. Domes, on the other hand, allow slightly more flexibility with altering pitch spot since you can usually erect the tent and then find its optimum placement before pegging down. This can be really handy when you’re expecting lumpy ground. So, for me, the factors which determine which tent I’m going to take are the forecast and the expected terrain 🙂

Hilleberg is solid but damn those prices hurt. If you're not doing serious mountaineering the MSR Hubba series is way more reasonable and still built like a tank

People shit on hilleberg prices till they use a hilleberg in less than ideal weather. I’ll tolerate the price for the long life and ability to handle some nasty weather. Most places in the states below tree line don’t need one though.

Hilleberg, TarpTent, SlingFin, Samaya. Real expeditions are more likely to choose Hilleberg. Their strongest tents are not super light, but they are made to withstand serious weather.

if money isnt a thing then hilleberg, black label series, a staika model kept me and my guide protected and safe when it snowed 14 inches on a high country elk hunt, they are awesome, im from Tennessee we dont need best quality expedition tents generally even in the eastern mountains. but having used that one for a week i can say that one was great.

I swear by my Hilleberg, but that's a terrible deal, even on a great tent.

Naturally I’d say buy a Hilleberg. Yes, they’re expensive, but it will last a lifetime.

Hilleberg is the tent for severe weather. They have different lines depending on how you want to trade weight versus sturdiness. None are "ultralight", but that is not what you are looking for in extreme cold/winds/snow.

I hunt in Alaska we always use a Hilleberg

Hilleberg is the gold standard for wind, pricey but basically bombproof. More budget-friendly, MSR Hubba Hubba or Nemo Dagger are solid choices with good wind shedding shapes. The real game changer is proper staking though, those little stakes that come with the tent won't cut it. Get heavy-duty steel stakes and use all the guy lines even if it's calm when you set up. Also orientation matters, point the narrow end into the wind.